BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Bellingham City Council voted to pass a resolution for a proposed new jail during their meeting Monday night, September 25th.

The Council voted 6-1 in favor of the proposition, which will appear on the November election ballot.

The meeting included a public hearing portion, where opinions were mixed.

Some said incarceration rates were problematic while others pointed to a need for increased capacity in the jail.

Councilmember Kristina Michele Martens held the lone objection.

If the measure passes, it would institute a sales and use tax of 0.2 percent, or 20 cents for every $100 purchase.